A Brief History of the Front Porch, Porticos, Piazzas, Terraces and Gazebos (part 2)
Many theories hold that Colonial American architect Peter Harrison (1716-1775) may have influenced the popularity of porches. Harrison’s travels and education in Europe and studying Italian architecture may have inspired him to study the Palladian movement. From this the Palladian porticos came in to vogue. The term “Palladian” is usually used in reference to buildings in a style inspired by Andre Palladio’s work, circa 1508-1580. His original ideas have evolved in to what we see today. Palladio’s concepts were strongly based on the symmetry, perspective and values of formal classical architecture found on Roman and Ancient Greek temples.
Because he was one of a kind in many ways, the evidence of his journeys may be documented in the wake of porches in his path. No builder was seen to travel the New World as much as Peter Harrison so it is logical to assume he influenced structures along his routes. It seems that everywhere there were well traveled waterways there porches were built, suggesting that the architect carried his ideas from dock to dock.
While it is impossible to credit one man for a country wide sweep of an outdoor room there is always the desire to accredit. While Harrison obviously had a widespread influence other cultures and peoples also may have increased the idea of adding an open room to the outside of a home. The British, French and Dutch settlers all enjoyed porches. Only the Spanish held to the haciendas with indoor courtyards, not out. Some consider the influence of ships bringing ideas from the West Indies, with its large Caribbean plantations and their verandas.
Since Louisiana’s lower Mississippi River is known for its porches, this could make one consider that the French may have played a part in porches in the South. Since the French were not settled in every colony or part of the country it is highly unlikely the spread of porches to all areas of the country except New England was caused by them. Even more thought on the origins of American porches leads us to it being an African concept, since slaves were building the new country and were found working in all the areas porches were found. Perhaps African and even Haitian customs helped to grow the outdoor room idea.
While no one is certain exactly what caused such a love of porches it is still notable that Peter Harrison did have a great influence on the addition of porches to old and new homes in America despite his never truly adapting to America as his home. British by birth Peter Harrison was loyal to the crown, eventually bringing ruin to him during the chaotic years of the American Revolution. His collection of original drawings were burned in an act of terrorism by a band of revolutionists shortly after his death. His work was never catalogued for posterity and thus lost.
Tags: Andre Palladio, architecture, gazebo, Palladian, Peter Harrison, piazza, portico, Porticos, Terraces
